Food and Wine tour from Taormina with Lunch in a Etna Winery

Discover the Authentic Flavors of Sicily with a Food and Wine Tour from Taormina

This 5-hour tour from Taormina offers a genuine taste of Sicily, taking you to small farms, artisanal dairies, and an Etna winery. Priced at $415.33 per person, the tour combines local food tastings, olive oil and hazelnut sampling, and an authentic Sicilian lunch with wine.

The experience begins with a hotel pickup, with the option to travel in a vintage car or a 7-seater SUV. The tour is ideal for those seeking a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience far from crowded tourist spots. With group discounts available and a private tour option, it caters to travelers wanting a personalized taste of Sicily’s countryside and cuisine.

While the tour offers a full day of cultural and culinary exploration, it is designed to be accessible for most visitors and emphasizes local connections. However, it’s worth noting that the tour duration extends to approximately 7 hours in total, including transportation and stops.

Key Points

• Authentic Sicilian experience with visits to small farms and wineries
• Includes tastings of extra virgin olive oil, hazelnuts, and dairy products
• Lunch at a local Etna winery paired with 3-4 wine tastings
• Transport options include vintage car or SUV (if selected)
• Private tour available for a personalized experience
• Duration approximately 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am

Meeting at Taormina and Transport Options

The tour departs from Taormina at 9:00 am, starting with a pickup from the hotel. Guests can choose to travel in a vintage car or in a 7-seater SUV, depending on the selected option. This flexible transportation adds a touch of charm and convenience, especially for those who appreciate a classic vehicle experience.

The start time and pickup arrangements make it easy for visitors to plan their day. The small group size ensures a more intimate and personal experience, whether in the vintage car or the SUV. The total duration extends to about 7 hours, giving plenty of time for the stops and tastings.

Visiting a Small Hazelnut Farm at the Foot of Etna

The journey begins with a visit to a hazelnut farm in the Etna region. Here, farmers welcome visitors into the hazelnut forest, where the focus is on local production. The visit features tastings of extra virgin olive oil, along with focaccia, hazelnuts, and hazelnut creams.

This farm stop highlights Sicily’s tradition of small-scale, artisanal food production. Guests get to taste freshly pressed olive oil and sample hazelnuts straight from the forest, providing a genuine connection to the land and its produce. The farm visit offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for learning about regional specialties.

Exploring the Vineyards and Cellar in an Etna Winery

After the farm visit, the tour proceeds to a local Etna winery. Here, guests are led on a tour of the vineyards, where the guide explains how the unique volcanic soil influences the grapes’ character. The winery setting offers scenic views of Etna’s slopes, making it an ideal backdrop for wine tasting.

At the winery, 3 to 4 different wines are sampled from the cellar, accompanied by a variety of typical Sicilian dishes. The pairing of local wines with regional cuisine creates a balanced, flavorful experience, showcasing the richness of Sicily’s wine-making tradition.

Tasting Traditional Dairy Products in a Small Sicilian Dairy

A stop at a small dairy in the Nebrodi Mountains introduces guests to authentic Sicilian dairy products. The dairy specializes in Ricotta and Provola dei Nebrodi. Visitors are treated to tastings of these cheeses, which are made on-site using traditional methods.

This stop emphasizes Sicily’s reputation for high-quality dairy, with products that have a distinct regional character. Guests appreciate the chance to learn about cheese-making and sample fresh, local cheeses that perfectly complement the wine from the vineyard.

Sampling Artisanal Granita in a Historic Pastry Shop

The tour includes a stop at a historic pastry shop to taste artisanal Granita, a classic Sicilian treat. The craftsmanship behind the Granita ensures a refreshing, flavorful experience, and it provides a break during the day’s culinary journey.

This visit highlights Sicily’s long-standing pastry traditions. Guests enjoy the cool, sweet treat, which is a perfect refreshment after the morning’s tastings and vineyard walk.

Lunch at a Local Etna Winery with Wine Pairings

The highlight of the tour is a lunch in a winery, where local Sicilian cuisine is served alongside wine tastings. The meal includes multiple courses of regional dishes, each paired with one or more wines from the cellar.

The lunch experience offers a relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to savor authentic flavors while enjoying scenic views of the Etna landscape. The careful pairing of food and wine reflects Sicily’s culinary heritage, making it a memorable part of the day.

Returning to Taormina After a Full Day of Food and Wine

Following the winery lunch, the tour concludes with a return transfer to Taormina, typically around 4 hours after departure. Guests can expect a comfortable journey back to their hotel, carrying memories of Sicilian flavors and landscapes.

The timing allows for a leisurely pace, ensuring guests have ample time to ask questions, take photos, and relax after the day’s explorations.

The Experience Led by Knowledgeable Guides, Chris and Barbara

Chris and Barbara, the hosts, are praised for their warmth, knowledge, and personal touch. They share stories about their local connections, helping to make each stop more meaningful. Their passion for local food, wine, and culture shines through, creating a genuine, immersive experience.

Guests consistently mention how friendly and engaging the guides are, making the tour more than just a series of tastings. Their local expertise enhances the understanding of Sicily’s culinary traditions and regional specialties.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour is designed for most travelers, with confirmation received immediately upon booking. Since it is private, only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention. The price is $415.33 per person, which includes transportation, tastings, and lunch.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, providing flexibility if plans change. The tour is weather-dependent but offers alternative dates or refunds if canceled due to poor weather.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This experience is perfect for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those interested in authentic Sicilian culture. It suits travelers who prefer a more intimate, less touristy activity, with a focus on local connections and regional flavors.

The tour’s slow pace and multiple stops are ideal for guests who want to learn about Sicily’s food heritage while savoring delicious products in a scenic countryside setting. It’s well-suited for adults and older teenagers who appreciate culinary experiences.

The Sum Up: A Genuine Taste of Sicily’s Countryside and Cuisine

This food and wine tour from Taormina with lunch in an Etna winery offers a balanced and authentic experience. It highlights small farms, local dairies, vineyards, and traditional Sicilian dishes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking deep regional immersion.

While the price point reflects the inclusion of transport, tastings, and a full meal, the personalized, informative guides are a significant bonus. The tour’s focus on local production makes it stand apart from more commercialized options, offering genuine insights into Sicily’s culinary treasures.

Most guests will find this experience enriching and flavorful, especially if they are eager to connect with local producers and sample regional specialties in a scenic, relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation in a 7-seater SUV or vintage car is included if you select that option.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am with hotel pickup and returning in the late afternoon.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and reviews mention enjoying the experience with teenagers.

What is included in the lunch?
A multi-course Sicilian meal paired with local wines is served at the winery.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves some walking during farm and vineyard visits, but overall it is accessible for most guests.

What stops are included?
Stops include a hazelnut farm, Etna winery, local dairy, and a pastry shop for Granita.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is private, meaning only your group participates, which allows for a tailored experience.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Chris and Barbara are praised for their warmth, expertise, and passion for Sicilian food and culture.